Abstract:

This study was initiated by the need to identify and analyse the multiple challenges that
people in leadership positions are facing in Breyten Circuit public schools, in Mpumalanga
Province. These challenges have resulted in poor work–related performances within the
Breyten Circuit. The challenges have been investigated within the scope of this study by
means of the following research objectives:
· Providing a general theoretical and practical background of leadership issues at
schools in Mpumalanga, South Africa;
· Determining the theories, principles and models of strategic leadership;
· Exploring the roles and job descriptions of leadership in public schools;
· Providing empirical evidence based on a survey on the strategic leadership challenges
at Breyten Circuit schools and scientifically analysing them;
· Making recommendations based on the findings in assisting leadership at secondary
schools to overcome the identified challenges.
A literature review was undertaken in order to determine the approach to the collection and
analysis of strategic leadership challenges. Data were collected from identified respondents in
participating sampled schools through questionnaires and structured interviews. The data
were sent to the Statistical Consultation Services at the North–West University,
Potchefstroom Campus, for scientific analysis.
The study found that some members in leadership were not aware of their roles and
responsibilities resulting in their failing to execute them well. It was also noted that there
were policy–related challenges that were possibly contributing to underperformance in these
schools. Recommendations for future studies were presented based on the findings of the
empirical study (chapter 5).